A pastor, Rev. David Struyk stood up for his son by leaving a meeting of the Christian Reformed Church synod in protest after the members voted to exclude LGBTQ+ supporters from its congregations. The program known as Synod 2023 took place from June 9-15 at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Struyk said, "Because of the message we sent to many LGBTQ+ people including my son, I will be leaving synod in protest." Gathering his belongings and walking toward the door, he was intercepted by a few delegates and others who lined up to hug him. Struyk said, his son Ryan Struyk came out as gay 12 years ago and has a vibrant faith and a love for the church. #Queer Up Religion